Factors influencing forest conservation in Bungoma county. A case of mt.Elgon forest, Kenya.

Abstract

Mt.Elgon Forest land provides an important resource base for rural people‟s livelihoods. Despite above, there is an alarming increase of forest encroachment catapulted by uncontrolled human activities such as logging. Despite Concerted efforts by various Government and NGO agencies put on the ground to salvage the dilapidated Mt.Elgon forest, forest encroachment and degradation has gone on. The purpose of this study therefore is to establish the factors that influence conservation of Mt.Elgon Forest in Bungoma County. The objectives of the study are: To determine how decentralization of forest Management Practices influence conservation Mt.Elgon forest , to determine the extent in which community participation influence conservation of Mt.Elgon forest, to determine how awareness in forest conservation influence conservation of Mt.Elgon forest, and to establish how „shamba system‟ influence conservation of Mt.Elgon forest. The research Design used is descriptive survey with a target population of 19,306 households in Mt. Elgon District. The sampling frame was used to determine sample size using systematic sampling technique with the Kth Unit being the 48th household with a sample size of 400 households which is a total Disproportionate samples drawn from the 6 sub locations in Mt.Elgon District. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means and percentages.. Data was presented by use of frequency distribution tables. The fact that the findings may constitute important information, this can facilitate decision making regarding forest conservation and theory formulation.